We waited 2 years for this – and it was well worth the wait!
What a weekend! Sunday in particular was a very big day for us…
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CubaDupa 2021
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Author Archives: AliG
CubaSonic at CubaDupa 2021
A beautiful disruption 3 years in the making…
From composer John Psathas:
It’s always fantastic when your music develops a life of its own. I have been very lucky that this has happened to several of my pieces, but how it happened with CubaSonic (2019) is unlike any other. Often you think a piece is given life through multiple performances – CubaSonic only had (and probably will only ever have) one. What defined this project was that it was totally contextualised by the state of the world at the time.
Premiered at the end of March 2021, much of the world was still in lockdown with live performances feeling like they were a thing from the pre-Covid era. At the time it was just unimaginable that hundreds of musicians could perform a work spanning three blocks in a massive city-wide festival. I think that the result of such a mass performance in the then-current circumstances created a really powerful and unexpected feeling of togetherness.
People came to me afterwards highly emotionalised, talking about how moved they were, and the sense of joy they felt in being a part of such a massed experience. CubaDupa usually provides the city with an injection of positive energy and after being cancelled in 2020, its return in 2021 was extra special, symbolising a return to normality or at least a step in that direction.
John Psathas, In Focus: CubaSonic (2019)
CubaSonic trailer video. Video by CubaDupa and CreateNowNZ.
Here it is! Our one-and-only World Premiere super-exclusive performance of CubaSonic by John Psathas.
CubaSonic highlight clip from the premiere performance. Video by CubaDupa and CreateNowNZ.
Aro Fair 2021
Taking part in a classic Welly happening
We had so much fun being part of such a glorious, family-friendly day of food, stalls and entertainment. The community spirit of so many bright and beautiful people was absolutely fabulous. Big ups to Dani and her crew from the Community Centre for an amazing day. Thanks to Tommy Etuata too for capturing all that community goodness in this video as we drummed and danced in the heart of Aro Valley.
A beautiful day, at a beautiful Wellington community event – what could be better? We were thrilled to be asked to open for the famous ArOlympics this year. It was our pleasure!
Wellington Batucada drummers and dancers at the Aro Fair 2021. Video by Tom S Etuata.
Round the Bays Fun Run 2021
An early start, for a great cause
This is our second time performing at Round the Bays, and once again it was a very early (7.45am!) start for this great community event. We resurrected our CubaDupa 2018 costumes (shhh don’t tell anyone, but this is my favourite ever Batucada outfit!) which meant we were colourful and eye-catching for the runners as they thundered past.
El Barrio Street Carnival 2021
Three gigs in one night
What an epic night!
First a street performance at the corner of Eva and Dixon Streets, then a gig in the Eva Beva Bar, and finally upstairs to El Barrio.
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Island Bay Festival Parade 2021
So hot! So fast!
The parade (all the way along The Parade to the park on the waterfront) seemed to stretch on forever, and for some reason the parade organisers (or perhaps the participants in front of us) decided that it should be run at an absolute cracking pace this year.
Multicultural Festival for Chinese New Year, Te Papa, 2021
Short but sweet
We were very happy to be invited to perform at this multicultural event at Te Papa, to celebrate Chinese New Year. We shared the stage with some of Wellington’s other wonderful community dance and musical groups from many different cultures, which is always a treat.
Summerset Group Christmas Party 2020
A jolly good evening
We were unexpectedly invited to be the “surprise” entertainment at the Summerset Group Christmas Party in Shed 5 on Wellington’s waterfront. A small and experienced group of drummers and dancers was selected, and off we went.
Johnsonville Christmas Parade 2020
Going strong since 2008
It’s been a good few years since we first began playing at the Johnsonville Christmas Parade, and we always love taking part.
A great community event, and a nice long street parade we can really get our teeth into. Plus we get to wear Santa hats and spruce up our drums with tinsel and Christmas decorations, and that’s never a bad thing.
Walking Stars Wellington 2020
Freezing our butts off for a great cause
Once again this year we were invited to entertain participants in the Walking Stars Charity Walk. Walking Stars is a night-time walking half marathon bringing people together to raise vital funds in support of local people living with cancer.
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